“Elvis has left the building,” is that fantastic, now famous phrase used at the end of Elvis shows to alert concertgoers that The King had departed the premises and they shouldn’t be far behind. It’s also what we jokingly say when a wedding reception is over and the bride and groom have made their exit. These days the newlywed getaway can certainly be as unique and creative as the couple.

Many venues lend themselves to dramatic exits down beautiful staircases with petals tossed and friends lining the walkway. You’d be hard pressed to find a more spectacular shot than one taken of Four Seasons Atlanta’s grand staircase. The St. Regis Atlanta is another wonderful option for the photogenic staircase petal toss. We Alchemists are natural born fallers – sad, but true – so we passed on this type of exit for our own weddings. We do, however, love the look of it for those more graceful than ourselves!

In recent years, the confetti exit has become a fun way to send a couple off into their brave new married world. The photographs convey a real sense of energy and excitement and if your wedding has a particular color palette – say, blush and bashful – you can now even choose confetti in only your favored shades. We happen to love the fun whimsy of a real multi-color burst after a night of cream and bridal white, but it’s not up to us. Either way, do check with your venue first to see if they will allow a confetti exit. Confetti clean up can be a bit drastic!

A few years ago we participated in a wedding where the groom was an avid sportsman and hunter. At the couple’s send-off, beribboned duck calls were distributed to the guests. The bride and groom were not met with confetti as they departed, but instead they were met with cacophony. Duck calls are not inexpensive things – look at what they’ve done for the folks from “Duck Dynasty” – and this was an investment by the bride’s family to celebrate their new son-in-law. That evening we also learned that duck calls are things that take practice. The sound created was nothing that would attract a curious bird, but it did attract an unhappy visit and chat from hotel security. Live and learn!

Once out the door, the last step in a bride and groom’s picturesque departure is their choice of getaway vehicle. Some couples choose vintage Rolls Royces or Bentleys, some choose to get into adorable balloon dressed pedicabs, and still others may opt for more Elvis-like vehicles in which to make their departure. Either way, when it’s time for Elvis to leave the building, brides and grooms should always do it in their own style. Duh!